54 pages • 1 hour read
The Second Mountain
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
384
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2019
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Second Mountain by David Brooks outlines a life philosophy contrasting the pursuit of individual achievement (the first mountain) with a deeper, more communal and committed life (the second mountain). Brooks discusses four main commitments—vocation, marriage, philosophy/faith, and community—as pathways to self-transcendence and personal growth, ultimately advocating for a shift from individualism to relationalism. The book includes discussions of divorce and personal trauma.
Contemplative
Inspirational
Emotional
Hopeful
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
14,987 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
David Brooks' The Second Mountain receives praise for its inspiring and thought-provoking examination of personal growth and community engagement. Critics appreciate Brooks' insightful narrative but some note it can be overly idealistic and lacking in practical guidance. Overall, it's a stimulating read on finding deeper meaning in life.
Who Should Read The Second Mountain?
A reader who would enjoy The Second Mountain by David Brooks is typically introspective, values personal growth, and is seeking a deeper sense of purpose beyond individual success. Comparable to readers of Viktor Frankl’s Man's Search for Meaning or Brené Brown’s Daring Greatly, they appreciate thoughtful, philosophical exploration of life’s higher values and societal contributions.
14,987 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
384
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2019
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.